Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Right Formula for Us

This post is about why Benjamin and I chose to formula feed Winston and the reasons why it was the right formula (haha!) for us.  

I have been thinking on how to write this for quite some time.  How you feed your baby seems to be a subject that ignites a great deal of passion within folks.  I feel that there are a lot who speak out for breastfeeding and I want to do the same for using formula.  Like most things in life this is a personal preference.

I view choosing to breast feed or to use formula one of the first big parenting decisions a couple makes.  For us, it was a simple decision to make: we were going to feed Winston with formula.  Benjamin and I were both formula fed, and to be honest, the idea of breast feeding kinda weirded me out.  I knew that I would be returning to work and I wanted my time in the evenings to be spent enjoying my family.  I also knew that with the use of formula, I'd be sure that Winston was getting all the necessary vitamins he needed along with an amount that would guarantee he was full up!

This choice, for us, was a huge blessing.  With the unforeseen outcome of the C-Section, formula feeding allowed Benjamin to do many of the night time/early hours feeding while I was laid up in the hospital.  It allowed our family and sweet friends the ability to feed and love on our little man so that Benjamin and I could rest and watch them experience our little miracle.

In the hospital and for weeks after, I did have to be conscious to take cool showers and wrap myself to keep the milk from coming in.  I also used cold savoy cabbage as a way to "dry up the milk" as they say.  The coolness felt amazing, but after 20 minutes or so I wasn't very attractive smelling!

Using formula to feed Winston guaranteed we always knew how much he had eaten and along with a few other factors ensured that he was sleeping through the night early on.  With Winston in daycare, formula makes it easy to prepare his food for the next day and I don't have the pressure of remembering to pump at work.

I have heard that people who do not breastfeed do not bond as well as those who do.  I call baloney on that.   The first time Winston heard my voice outside of the womb, he turned and just stared at me.  We snuggle just as close when we bottle feed and he is always eager to see Benjamin and me.  If anything, using formula has more easily allowed Benjamin to have sweet treasured moments with Winston from the very beginning.  Now, four months later, one of Benjamin's favorite times is the last feeding of the day, after I've gone to bed, where he gets to have time with just him and Winston.  Feeding occurs once every three to four hours, and what happens in between is just as important.

I know that once a Mom starts pumping, some of the things I talked about above happen and I think that is fabulous!  I celebrate the fact that we are allowed the flexibility and options on how to raise our children.

There are some people who will insinuate that you less of a mom, don't love your baby as much, and are dooming your child to fail in life if you don't breast feed.  I like to refer to them as "Teet Nazis."  I felt it important to post this in support of moms who may have wanted to breast feed and couldn't for one reason or another and for the working moms who may not have the type of job that allows them to pump at work.  This isn't meant to persuade anyone to formula feed or say that breast feeding is wrong.  It's just what was right for our family!

Below are the items that we use every day when feeding Winston.  {Note: Most or all of these items can be found at Amazon, Target, BabiesRUs, Walmart and other places that have a baby aisle!}

1. Playtex Nurser Drop-in Bottles and Liners
Made in both 4 and 8 oz sizes, these bottles have been the easiest thing since sliced bread to use!  The drop in liners make it super easy to pre-fill with water for daycare and outings.  The drop in liners make clean up nice and easy as you just throw the liner away and insert a new one for the next use.  Playtex also makes bags for breast milk that can be used with these bottles as well.
2.  Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bibs
Are these bibs cute?  No.  Do they work like magic?  Yes!  Bought on a whim, these bibs have been the best thing we've used with Winston when feeding.  There is a plush ring that fits snuggly against baby's neck to keep milk from running into their adorable neck folds.  They are incredibly soft and I highly recommend getting two or three packs.  They come in packs of two and Target has the best price on them.
3.  Similac: Sensitive
Benjamin and I were both on a sensitive brand of formula when we were first feeding, so we figured our kid would need it to!
4.  Anti-gas Drops
These have been a God send!  When mixing the formula, many tiny bubbles form and the gas drops magically take out all of the bubbles.  To this day I am still amazed at how every bubble disappears!  There are a few different brands of anti-gas drops, Little Tummys being one of them.  The store brand versions work just as well and are normally half the price.  You can put the drops into the bottle or directly into baby's mouth.  When applied directly to baby's mouth, it neutralizes the gas bubbles in their tummy - also good for either breast or formula feeding.
5.  Babyganics Foaming Dish & Bottle Wash
This wash is fabulous and we use it every day.  It leaves no residue on the bottles and I personally like the pump feature.  Refill liquid is also sold.  Another use is for washing spit up out of baby's clothes.
6.  Boon Drying Rack
Who doesn't love cute items to sit out on the counter?  I do!  This drying rack is not only great for propping up bottles, nipples and passies, but also good for bowls, sippee cups and favorite teething toys that need a good rinse!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Hearts Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you from us and our sweet little man!
He is the light of our life and a joy to see each morning!  He will be four months old in 4 days and it's awesome how comfortable life is with him.
May your day be filled with love of those you care most about!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Felted Bible Character Winner!

A huge thank you to everyone who entered this give-a-way!  It was fun reading the favorite Bible stories and there was not any that repeated!
And the winner of these cute little felt figures is
Christine Culp

Congratulations Christine!  Contact me at joyfullysoaring@gmail.com and we'll get these to you and your adorable girls!

For those of you who would like a set for yourself, you can find them at Wisteria.com.

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